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MLB Power Rankings: Trouble for Cubs?

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Carlos Beltran (15) and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) observe action from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Carlos Beltran (15) and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) observe action from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (58) delivers in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (58) delivers in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
26

Chicago White Sox 7-7

Last week: 4-2
Last rank: 29

Right-hander Miguel Gonzalez continued his career-long dominance of the New York Yankees with a near-shutout effort on Tuesday night. For his career, Gonzalez is now 5-4 against the Yankees with a 3.56 ERA in 15 starts. Right about now, the Orioles are wishing they had not cast aside Gonzalez so quickly before the 2016 season. Since signing with the Sox, he is 7-8 with a 3.62 ERA in 154.0 innings with a stabilizing home-run rate. The White Sox have worked with Gonzalez to add a cutter to his arsenal, something the Orioles have always shunned. Maybe time to rethink that decision.

Fear not, White Sox fans, this hot week is not a real indication that the tanking efforts are off course. James Shields will see his ERA climb from 1.62 at some point, and the 13th-ranked offense in the American League in terms of OPS will not get much better at any point this season.

Apr 7, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Starling Marte (6) runs bases against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning of the 2017 season opening home game at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Starling Marte (6) runs bases against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning of the 2017 season opening home game at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
25

Pittsburgh Pirates 6-9

Last week: 3-4
Last rank: 20

The Pirates got terrible news on Tuesday afternoon with news breaking that star outfielder Starling Marte had been popped for a positive PED test. Marte will now miss the next 80 games. The suspension leaves a huge cloud of uncertainty over the direction of the Pirates franchise going forward this year and beyond.

Pittsburgh was always a fringe contender at best this year, and losing arguably their best player for half the season should sink their playoff hopes completely. Andrew McCutchen was on the trading block, got pulled off, and should now be shopped around the league. The only problem with that is the fact that McCutchen is hitting only .268/.305/.446 on the year, still a far cry from his best All-Star and MVP numbers. The Pirates may be left to take a less desirable offer for him and move on with the hope that Marte can redeem himself next season.

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